Category Archives: News

Vikram Agarwal of Cornitos Applauds Budget’s Focus on Consumer Spending and Healthier Food Accessibility

By-Vikram Agarwal, Managing Director, Cornitos

 “The budget strategically focuses on strengthening the consumer spending and purchasing power. The proposed increase in income tax exemption slab will boost investments and consumption, which will have a positive impact on the FMCG and retail sectors. In addition, considering the growing awareness of healthier food options and the increase in the demand for nutritious food, the government’s initiative towards improving the accessibility and affordability of these essential food items in itself is a remarkable move. These significant steps along with the investments in rural infrastructure and health sectors will accelerate the overall growth of the economy.”

Teen Shark Season 2: Helping Teens Navigate the World of Finance with Smart Lessons

Teen Shark Season 2, a groundbreaking program designed to boost financial literacy among teenagers, took place on January 31st, 2025, in partnership with the Nanhagyan Foundation and Trinity International School. The event saw an enthusiastic turnout, with four teams participating and the presence of special guest Surabhii Aplesh, adding to the program’s prestige.

The primary goal of Teen Shark was to deliver practical, real-world business knowledge to young minds in an engaging format. Throughout the event, participants explored essential concepts such as marketing, pricing strategies, product development, market segmentation, packaging, and identifying target audiences. This comprehensive approach allowed teens to gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of business.

A key highlight of this season’s program was the mentorship session led by Romal Surana, the Founder and Director of Nanhagyan Foundation. Her vast experience in business and finance gave the participants invaluable guidance, empowering them to think critically and creatively. Additionally, Rupali Damdhere, Principal of Trinity International School, played a crucial role in inspiring students to embrace entrepreneurial ventures with confidence, supporting their journey toward success.

The impact of Teen Shark Season 2 was clear from the innovative ideas and practical solutions developed by the participants. This program not only equipped the students with financial literacy but also nurtured their entrepreneurial spirit, ensuring they were well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the modern economic landscape.

Spoken Fest 2025: Shankar Mahadevan and Roshan Abbas Captivate Mumbai with Their Music and Tales

Kommune, India’s acclaimed cultural storytelling hub, concluded the two-day celebration of music, words, and everything love, Spoken Fest—Asia’s largest spoken word festival—in Mumbai on February 2nd, 2025. The evening brought together two creative powerhouses—musical virtuoso Shankar Mahadevan and the dynamic founder of Kommune India, Roshan Abbas—for an unfiltered conversation that delved into the heart of music and creative synergy.

It was an eclectic mix of storytelling and music, where Shankar Mahadevan brought together his life in music through memorable music performances and stimulating conversation. From the opening moments, Mahadevan transported the audience back to the genesis of his journey. He talked about how he was comfortable with this corporate job as well as doing music. The Grammy-winning singer took a call at the age of 26-27 to leave his job at a reputed software firm that provided a cushioned life in the USA with financial stability and pursue his passion for music full-time. He told his boss, “Sir, mujhe career change karna hain kal.” He knew that the path was foggy and the future was unstable, but without this leap of faith, Mahadevan said, he would not have been where he was today.

Both Roshan Abbas and Shankar Mahadevan took a trip down the memory lane of how, when Breathless became a raging hit, the singer did his first corporate show with Roshan, underlining the friendship that they have shared for almost 30 years.

During his music performances, Shankar was joined by the rising music star and actor Souumil Shringarpure of Bandish Bandits fame. The night came alive with breathtaking renditions of some of Mahadevan’s most iconic songs, including Breathless, Dil Chahta Hai, Mitwa, and Marathi hit Sur Niragas Ho. Each note served as a reminder of the timeless impact of his music, leaving the audience spellbound.

He also gave the audience a glimpse of his thinking process and the joy he finds when music and lyrics come together when Abbas asked him an interesting question. Roshan requested him to break down the music for an engineer, taking a deep dive into the technicalities of music, a one-of-a-kind experience to delve into the mind of the maestro.

With reference to his popular song, Mitwa, he explained to the audience, “You can deconstruct any melody to its relevant sargam. It is like any program if you break it down into its relevant, equivalent binaries. Music can represent a playground, where you can freely dance, play, and jump around. The binary layers are sargam, the lowermost layer. It is the spelling of Mitwa. If you remove the sargam, then the melody comes. When you put lyrics on the melody, it becomes a song. The application of classical music comes here. Why should you learn classical music? For the application of it, and to sing a harkat in Mitwa.”

While talking about the new wave of musicians, Shankar Mahadevan fondly reminisced about late Zakir Hussain, saying, “When I was in junior college, my dream was to meet the band members of Shakti. The most phenomenal band that pioneered taking Indian music to the next level. We used to go to a cassette store, ‘Embassy,’ in Chembur, and it was like a masterclass. I used to ask Zakir’s brother, Fazal, to make me meet Zakir Hussain and click a picture with him and Shakti. If you put it out there and manifest it very strongly, the universe definitely gives it. I ended up touring with ‘Shakti’ for 25 years. When I used to be on stage, I used to wonder if it was a dream. I just wanted to meet them, and now I am sitting on stage with them. The word ‘Tabla’ has lost its meaning after Zakir Hussain is no more.”

The singer also took the audience through the journey of how the trio, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, came together. While Shankar used to sing jingles for advertisements, Ehsaan and Loy were reputed producers already. Their frequent studio hangouts fostered a creative partnership of 30 years. He chronicled the journey from making and producing the biggest hit, Sabse Aage Honge Hindustani for a shelved film, ‘Dus’, to not having any contractual relationship for all these years. It is sheer love, friendship, and respect for each other’s ideas that has kept the trio going!

Shankar Mahadevan also gave a memorable performance of Breathless, which gave him fame when it came out in 1988. He talked about how the song came about during an intellectually intense conversation with Javed Akhtar. Before ending up performing the song not once but twice, on public demand underscoring the enthusiasm that the audience at the festival brought during the session.

Furthermore, he also gave a glimpse into the success of Shankar Mahadevan Academy, which uplifts the spirits of people who struggle with illness, pain, or a lonely heart with the power of music and partners with hospitals, care centres, and senior-citizen communities to stage free online concerts by musicians.

Revolutionizing Learning: How India is Leading the Way in Personalized Education Solutions

Mumbai, February 4, 2025 – In a landmark moment for the future of education, VidyaAI, the world’s first AI-powered personalized learning platform, was officially launched today at the prestigious IIT Bombay E-Summit 2025. The event, known as Asia’s largest entrepreneurial platform, provided the perfect stage for VidyaAI to unveil its transformative potential in revolutionizing education.

A Revolutionary Step in Education:
VidyaAI, proudly conceptualized and developed in India, is a personalized and adaptive learning platform designed to cater to the diverse learning needs of students, educators, and institutions. By combining Generative AI, real-time analytics, and multi-language accessibility, VidyaAI delivers tailored learning experiences, making education more inclusive, efficient, and impactful.

“This is not just a product launch; it’s the beginning of a new chapter in education where every learner, regardless of their background, can access personalized and quality education,” said Dr. Utpal Chakraborty, Co-Founder of VidyaAI. “We are proud that VidyaAI is not only Made-in-India but is also a tool for nation-building, empowering students and educators to achieve their fullest potential.”

Transforming Education, One Learner at a Time:

Key features of VidyaAI include:

• Personalized Learning Paths: Tailored to each student’s unique strengths and needs.
• AI Buddy: Real-time support available 24/7 for clarifying doubts and enhancing understanding.
• AI-Generated Notes and Summaries: Simplifying complex topics for better retention.
• Gamified Learning: Making education interactive, engaging, and fun.
• Multi-Language and Offline Support: Bridging the gap for learners in remote and underserved areas.

Bringing Global Innovation, Rooted in India’s Values:

 Speaking at the launch, Sanjay Salil, Co-Founder of VidyaAI, said, “Education is the backbone of any nation. VidyaAI is our commitment to making India a global leader in ed-tech innovation while addressing the diverse needs of learners across geographies. This platform is a testament to India’s growing influence in the technology space, powered by world-class AI.”

A Grand Launch at IIT Bombay E-Summit 2025:
The event was graced by eminent personalities, including Nandan Nilekani, Co-Founder and Chairman of Infosys, Sonam Wangchuk, renowned innovator and education reformist, and Dr. Prakash Chauhan, Director at NRSC ISRO. Other distinguished speakers such as Bharat Desai, Co-Founder of Syntel, Viraj Bahl, Shark Tank India personality, Pulkit Jain, Co-Founder of Vedantu, and Sandeep Jain, Founder of GeeksforGeeks, added to the event’s prestige.

This grand unveiling showcased VidyaAI as a first-of-its-kind personalized learning platform, empowering education through AI-driven solutions and setting the stage for a brighter, more inclusive educational future.

IIT Bombay as the Launchpad for Innovation:
The E-Summit provided the ideal platform for the launch of VidyaAI, reflecting IIT Bombay’s legacy as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurial excellence. Prof Biplab Banerjee, a distinguished professor at the Centre of Machine Learning and Data Science at IIT Bombay, remarked, “IIT Bombay E-Summit is proud to be part of VidyaAI’s journey. This platform not only represents a technological breakthrough but also highlights how innovation can address critical challenges in education and contribute to nation-building. VidyaAI is a shining example of what India can achieve when education meets technology.”

Empowering Nation-Building Through Education:
VidyaAI aligns closely with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes personalized and technology-driven learning. By bringing adaptive education to millions, VidyaAI is expected to play a significant role in equipping India’s youth with future-ready skills while bridging the educational divide across rural and urban regions.

CSR as a Catalyst for Change: How Partnerships are Paving the Way for Social Impact

By -Kapeel Barsaiyan & Kshipra Simon, Buddh Jyoti Foundation

Charity and service have always been integral to Indian culture, where helping the weak and contributing to creation is seen as a fundamental dharma. In fact, the world’s biggest donor, Jamsetji Tata, was an Indian. The country takes pride in being home to some of the world’s most prominent philanthropists.

With the implementation of mandatory Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) under the Companies Act of 2013, corporate philanthropy gained a structured approach in India. This legislation requires companies to allocate 2% of their average net profits to CSR initiatives. Over the past decade, this mandate has encouraged businesses to act more ethically and sustainably, fostering a more strategic and impactful approach to community engagement.

CSR’s Impact in Numbers

Mandatory CSR has significantly boosted spending across critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. Over the years, CSR spending in India has shown a consistent upward trend:

• FY 2017-18: ₹17,096 crore
• FY 2018-19: ₹20,217 crore
• FY 2019-20: ₹249.65 billion
• FY 2020-21: ₹262.10 billion
• FY 2021-22: ₹26,278 crore
• FY 2022-23: ₹29,986.92 crore

The Economic Survey 2024 highlighted that CSR spending increased by an impressive 53% between the financial years 2017-18 and 2021-22. However, in 2023, CSR spending fell slightly below the mandated 2% of net profits.

Multifaceted Benefits of CSR

Beyond contributing to national development, CSR offers extensive benefits to businesses themselves, impacting stakeholders in numerous positive ways:

1. Builds Corporate Reputation and Trust

Active CSR initiatives enhance a company’s reputation and build stakeholder trust. Companies with robust social responsibility practices are perceived as moral and reliable, improving their overall brand image.

2. Promotes Environmental Sustainability

Environmental sustainability-focused CSR projects help minimize carbon emissions and conserve natural resources. These initiatives not only protect the planet but also align with growing consumer demand for eco-friendly practices and products.

3. Boosts Employee Satisfaction

Employee morale is significantly enhanced when companies demonstrate a commitment to societal values. Employees who feel appreciated and aligned with their company’s ethical stance are more motivated, leading to improved performance and loyalty.

4. Enhances Customer Loyalty

Consumers increasingly prefer businesses that share their values. Companies with strong CSR initiatives often build a loyal customer base willing to pay more for their products and services due to shared principles and trust.

5. Advances Community Development and Social Equity

Investments in community infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development create long-lasting benefits that go beyond short-term profits. CSR activities can tackle pressing societal issues like poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Collaboration between businesses, governments, and non-profits can amplify these impacts, creating programs that provide jobs, mentorship, and entrepreneurial opportunities in underserved communities.

Driving Social Change through Leadership

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has emerged as a cornerstone of modern leadership. Businesses increasingly recognize their potential to drive meaningful change by addressing societal challenges and fostering environmental sustainability. Through well-implemented CSR strategies, companies not only advance social equity and community development but also achieve a competitive edge in today’s values-driven market.

By leveraging their resources and expertise, corporations can create a profound and lasting impact, demonstrating that business success and social good can go hand in hand.

Unaudited standalone & consolidated financial results for the nine months ended December 31, 2024

Sundaram Finance logs highest-ever 9M disbursements of Rs. 21,532 crores; AUM grows 19% to Rs. 50,199 crores

Net profit for 9MFY25 up by 5% at Rs. 997 crores

Profits from Operations up by 22% in 9MFY25

Continued improvement in asset quality with Gross Stage 3 assets at 1.70% (1.77% as of December 31, 2023) and Net Stage 3 assets at 0.97% (1.02% as of December 31, 2023)

ROA at 2.49% for 9MFY25 (2.79% for 9MFY24)  

Capital Adequacy Ratio at 20.0% (20.0% for 9MFY24)

140% interim dividend (Rs. 14/- per share) declared

The Board of Directors of Sundaram Finance Ltd. (SFL) approved the unaudited standalone and consolidated financial results for the nine months ended Dec 31, 2024, at its meeting held on Feb 03, 2025, in Chennai.

“Economic activity in the festival season that marks Q3 has been below expectations. Team Sundaram has delivered a terrific Q3 with 19% growth in AUM to Rs. 50,199 crores, improving asset quality with net stage 3 at 0.97% vs 1.02% last year and profits from operations growing 22% year-on-year. Our Group companies in asset management, general insurance and home finance have continued their trajectory from FY24 and recorded strong results. We continue to rely on our time-tested approach of steady and sustainable growth with best-in-class asset quality and consistent profitability,” said Harsha Viji, Executive Vice Chairman.

Disbursements for 9MFY25 recorded a growth of 8% over 9MFY24 with 19% growth in disbursements for Q3FY25 over last year. Gross stage 3 assets improved over the previous year. Gross stage 3 assets as of December 31, 2024, stood at 1.70% with a provision cover of 43% as against 1.77% as of December 31, 2023, with a provision cover of 43%. Core operations performed strongly with profit from operations up by 22% in 9MFY25. Profits after tax at Rs. 997 crores registered an increase of 5% in 9MFY25 as against Rs. 948 crores in 9MFY24, primarily due to a shift in the timing of dividends in the prior period (Rs. 43 crores in 9MFY25 vs Rs. 181 crores in 9MFY24). Return on assets closed at 2.49% in 9MFY25 as against 2.79% for 9MFY24 and capital adequacy at 20.0% remains quite comfortable.

“It has been a strong quarter for the company despite a relatively muted Q3 for the industry. We have gained market share across nearly all asset classes that we focus on, resulting in 19% growth in disbursements for the quarter YOY and 19% AUM growth. Our asset quality continues to improve, even as the collections environment for the sector tightens. Operating profits (excluding dividends and one-time gains) have grown strongly by 22%. Looking ahead, we are well positioned to continue our marathon running – steady growth, best-in-class asset quality and continued resilient profitability – and in delivering the Sundaram experience to our customers, people and partners,” said Rajiv Lochan, Managing Director.

STANDALONE PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS FOR 9MFY25

• Disbursements for Q3FY25 grew by 19% to Rs. 7,764 crores as compared to Rs. 6,524 crores registered in Q3FY24. Disbursements for 9MFY25 grew by 8% to Rs. 21,532 crores as compared to Rs. 19,954 crores registered in 9MFY24.
• The assets under management grew by 19% to Rs. 50,199 crores as on 31st December 2024 as against Rs. 42,172 crores as on 31st December 2023.
• Net interest income grew 21.4% to Rs. 2,040 crores in 9MFY25 from Rs. 1,681 crores in 9MFY24.
• Gross stage 3 as on 31st December 2024 stood at 1.70% with 43% provision cover as against 1.77% with provision cover of 43% as on 31st December 2023. Net stage 3 as on 31st December 2024 closed at 0.97% as against 1.02% as on 31st December 2023.
• The Gross and Net NPA, as per RBI’s asset classification norms for NBFCs, are 2.46% and 1.62% respectively as against 2.61% and 1.82% as of 31st December 2023.
• Profit from operations increased by 22% in 9MFY25 as compared to 9MFY24.
• Cost to income ratio closed at 31.37% in 9MFY25 as against 35.12% in 9MFY24.
• Profit after tax registered a 5% rise in 9MFY25, with net profit at Rs. 997 crores. The company had registered a net profit of Rs. 948 crores in 9MFY24.
• Return on assets (ROA) for 9MFY25 closed at 2.49% as against 2.79% for 9MFY24. Return on equity (ROE) was at 14.3% for 9MFY25 as against 15.5% for 9MFY24.
• Capital Adequacy Ratio stood at 20.0% (Tier I –16.6%) as of 31st December 2024 compared to 20.0% (Tier I – 16.0%) as of 31st December 2023.
• The Company has declared an interim dividend of Rs. 14/- per share (140%).

CONSOLIDATED PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS FOR 9MFY25

The consolidated results of SFL include the results of its standalone subsidiaries Sundaram Home Finance, Sundaram Asset Management and joint venture company Royal Sundaram General Insurance.
• The assets under management (AUM) in our lending and general insurance businesses stood at Rs. 75,708 crores as on 31st December 2024 as against Rs. 63,658 crores as on 31st December 2023, a growth of 19%. The assets under management of our asset management business stood at Rs. 76,038 crores as on 31st December 2024 as against Rs. 67,272 crores as on 31st December 2023, a growth of 13%.
• Profit after tax for 9MFY25 grew by 14% to Rs. 1,326 crores as compared to Rs. 1,168 crores in 9MFY24.

GROUP COMPANY PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

Our group companies continued to perform well.

• The asset management business closed the nine months ended 31st December 2024 with assets under management of Rs. 76,038 crores (over 80% in equity) and consolidated profits from the asset management businesses was at Rs. 107 crores as against Rs. 74 crores in 9MFY24.

• Royal Sundaram reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of Rs. 2,965 crores as compared to Rs. 2,792 crores in the corresponding period of the previous year, representing a growth of 6%. The Company reported a profit after tax of Rs. 134 crores for 9MFY25 as against a profit of Rs. 178 crores in 9MFY24.

• Sundaram Home Finance continued to grow strongly with disbursements up by 29% to Rs. 4,588 crores in 9MFY25. The profit for 9MFY25 was Rs. 173 crores, as against Rs. 179 crores in 9MFY24.

‘Hive to Home’ Seminar by India Honey Alliance Seeks to Foster Scientific Approaches in Honey Production

New Delhi,: The India Honey Alliance (IHA), in collaboration with NIFTEM-K, successfully hosted the ‘Hive to Home: Vision2030 – Building a Scientific & Sustainable Honey Industry’ seminar at the India International Centre. The seminar aligns with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Honey Mission, to reinforce efforts to strengthen India’s honey value chain through scientific advancements and sustainable practices. Bringing together policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders, the event fostered critical discussions on quality assurance, sustainability, and global competitiveness in India’s honey industry.

The seminar was attended by key Government dignitaries including Dr. Subrata Gupta (IAS), Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI ; Dr. H.S. Oberoi, Director, NIFTEM-K; Dr. Satyen Panda, Advisor, QA, FSSAI; Dr. Kaushik Banerjee, Director, ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes ; Dr. Rajesh R Nair, Deputy Managing Director, NDDB CALF; Dr. Komal Chauhan, Dean Research and Outreach, Head CFRA & CEFF; Sh. Balasubramanian.K, Joint Director, Quality Assurance, FSSAI; and Dr. Ranjan Mitra, immediate past President AOAC International-India Section.

Dr. Subrata Gupta (IAS), Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), calling the seminar “an extremely important event with far reaching impact” emphasized the need to protect the bees & train the beekeepers scientifically to maintain authenticity of honey. Underscoring the importance of standards, he said “I urge FSSAI to work closely with NIFTEM & other institutes to come up with standards that are relevant for India.” He called upon IHA to grow in size & work towards maintaining India’s standing as a leading honey producer & exporter. He underscored the critical role of scientific advancements in testing methodologies to uphold global benchmarks and enhance the industry’s credibility. and regulatory frameworks in ensuring quality and consumer trust to maintain India’s stand as a leading producer of honey.

The opening session moderated by Mr. Deepak Jolly, Secretary General, IHA focused on making Indian honey future-ready in both global and domestic markets, addressing key aspects such as honey standards, safety, purity, and the overall status of the Indian honey industry. Distinguished speakers shared insights on strengthening standards and the role of research institutions in building a robust honey ecosystem with Mr. Narayanan Renganathan, Chairperson, IHA, providing industry perspectives on challenges and collaborative solutions. Dr. Samuel Godefroy, Former Vice Chairperson, FAO/CODEX Alimentarius, joining virtually, discussed the importance of scientific evaluation in regulatory decision-making. Speaking about the ongoing issue of HMF in honey, he called it a quality parameter and mentioned about the risk assessment study underway on HMF in honey.

The panel discussion focused on Harmonization to Ensure Quality, Safety through Standards & Testing and addressed critical challenges such as the lack of standardized testing protocols, the need for strong regulatory frameworks, and the urgency to debunk myths about honey through scientific validation. Eminent scientists and experts, shared insights on honey standardization, safety, and sustainability, while industry leaders Mansoor Ali, Vice Chairperson, IHA and Amit Gupta provided perspectives on strengthening the honey supply chain and expanding market opportunities. Mr. Ed George, Global Key Opinion Leader joined virtually from USA to present and elaborate on latest advancements in honey testing technology aimed at addressing emerging challenges.

Key recommendations emerging from the seminar focused on conducting scientific studies on Indian honey for revising standards and thresholds in certain parameters to improve quality benchmarks, regulator compliance, focusing on consumer awareness, developing advanced training systems for beekeepers to enhance productivity, sustainability and innovation in beekeeping practices. Experts collectively stressed that maintaining the purity and authenticity of honey requires a collaborative effort from policymakers, researchers, and industry players.

Summarizing the discussion, Mr. Narayanan Renganathan, Chairperson, IHA, emphasized that ensuring trust in honey quality is a shared responsibility across the entire ecosystem. He reiterated that sustained collaboration, research-driven policies, and consumer awareness are essential for establishing India as a benchmark for high-quality, sustainable honey production.

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham to Lead Dialogue on Eco Interventions for Sustainable Development Goals

Hyderabad, February 1, 2025: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi Campus, is set to host a three-day international conference titled “Synergizing Eco Interventions for Achieving SDGs” from March 5 to 7, 2025, at the serene Kochi Brahmasthanam campus. Organized by the Departments of Commerce and Management and Visual Media and Communication, the event aims to explore innovative pathways toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through eco-friendly interventions and collaborative approaches.

Abstract submissions has started from January and will remain open till on February 10, 2025.

The conference will feature dynamic panel discussions, interactive workshops, and hands-on training sessions, covering themes such as climate action, biodiversity conservation, green technology innovations, and circular economy. Renowned experts, including Dr. Harsha Bhargavi (Ministry of Culture, Government of India), Dr. Erik Bean (Indiana Tech University, USA), and Dr. Nirmalya Mukherjee (Centre for Public Health Research), will lead discussions on critical topics like green commerce, media’s role in SDGs, and AI for sustainability.

Participants will get an opportunity to engage in creative competitions, including poster design, short films, and photography, celebrating innovation in environmental advocacy. Workshops on eco-product creation, AI tools for sustainability, and organic farming further enriched the hands-on learning experience.

Experience Shinjini Kulkarni’s Captivating Kathak Recital ‘Kasturi’ at 27th Vasantotsav 2025

The evening of 27th Vasantotsav 2025 will witness an enthralling performance by Kathak danseuse Shinjini Kulkarni on February 4, 2025 at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi, where she will enlighten the stage with her performance Kasturi- The Eternal Search.

Inspired by the allegory of Kasturi Mrig, the musk deer, that roams the vast forests in search of an intoxicating fragrance that emanates from within, her performance delves into the exploration of the eternal search, the illusion of seeking outside what already resides within.

Event Details

Name of the event: Kathak virtuoso Shinjini Kulkarni to Illuminate the Stage with a pulsating recital Kasturi – The Eternal Search at 27th Vasantotsav 2025

Artist Name: Shinjini kulkarni
Date: Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Venue: Kamani Auditorium, Mandi House, New Delhi

The Artist dedication and passion has always garnered the audience’s affection and blessings with her powerful performances that are a unique amalgamation of creative approaches and skilled style. As the part of Vasantotsav 2025, an annual prastuti of Kalashram by Pt. Birju Maharaj ji, Kulkarni’s solo recital will not just exhibit the finesse of Kathak but also invite the audience to mirror the journey of self-discovery, revealing that the fragrance we seek is not in the world around us, but in the essence of our own being.

Devendra Fadanvis unveils Marathi version of Skill India Digital Hub

Pune (Maharashtra): In order to foster an inclusive and robust skilling ecosystem in Maharashtra, Honourable Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadanvis unveiled Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) platform in Marathi language on occasion of Vishwa Marathi Sammelan 2025 at Fergusson College in Pune on Friday.

Shri Fadnavis, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Eknath Shinde and Shri Ajit Pawar, launched the Marathi version of SIDH which will enable professionals, students, and researchers to engage more effectively with valuable content, ensuring wider knowledge dissemination across Maharashtra.

By breaking language barriers, this initiative fosters linguistic inclusivity and empowers citizens with essential information in their mother tongue, as envisioned in NEP 2020. The platform will assist youth in skilling themselves in over 7000 skill courses that includes Industry 4.0 courses, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Drone technology to name a few.

Shri Uday Samant, Minister of Marathi Language of Maharashtra, Shri Shrirang Barne, Member of Lok Sabha, Smt Neelam Gorhe, Member of Maharashtra Legislative Council, Sri Siddharth Shirole, Member of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Shri Bapusaheb Pathare, Member of Legislative Assembly, along with Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and MD NSDC International and other eminent dignitaries from various fields graced the occasion.

Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC, was felicitated by the Hon’ble Minister Shri Uday Samant, for his instrumental role in shaping SIDH into a pioneering initiative that is transforming knowledge accessibility. Shri Tiwari has been at the forefront of driving innovation, integrating technology with education, and ensuring that skill development reaches every corner of the nation. His relentless efforts have positioned SIDH as a model for linguistic inclusivity and empowerment.

Speaking at the ceremony and reinforcing the central government’s commitment to skilling and digital empowerment, Shri Tiwari said, “SIDH has nationally recorded more than 1.26 crore registrations in over a year. It is offering thousands of skilling courses, and with the unveiling of the Marathi version, NSDC is showcasing the utility of the platform to empower millions of Marathi-speaking youth and help them unlock their career prospects.”

In terms of registrations, Maharashtra is among the top five states in the country while in terms of user traffic, at 30 per cent nationally, it stands next to Uttar Pradesh. With the unveiling of the Marathi version, the popularity and registration of the skilling courses and the platform will further go up. Marathi is among the 23 languages in which the platform can be accessed.

The most popular courses in the state include, web design, cybersecurity, kisan drone operator. Over 43,000 female users have enrolled in various online courses, with over 80 per cent being under the age of 30. The top sectors attracting enrolment from the state include IT-ITeS, entrepreneurship, and electronics among others.

People learn more effectively in their native language, so the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, along with NSDC, has been working to offer skilling courses in local languages to maximize results.

“With the unveiling of the Marathi version of SIDH, we are trying to ensure that language is never a barrier to skilling. It aligns with vision of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises the importance of regional language communication in education and skill development. We are enabling the youth of Maharashtra and the global Marathi community to seamlessly integrate into India’s employment and digital skilling ecosystem.” Shri Tiwari said, underscoring the significance of regional inclusivity and digital transformation.

SIDH is a comprehensive digital platform that has been developed to access skilling opportunities, career guidance, and opportunities both in India and abroad. Maharashtra is the largest economy in India, so the demand for a skilled workforce would be maximum.

With the aim of making the state a USD 1 trillion economy by 2028, a district-wise Skill Gap Analysis Report was conducted in the state in 2023 by the Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Department (SEEID).

The survey engaged with over 1500 industries and over 200,000 trainees across the state to understand skill gaps in traditional and new-age sectors and identified electronics, automotive, agriculture, BFSI, and IT/ITeS among the sectors for immediate intervention.

The 2023 survey also conducted a language proficiency of the labour force, and found that majority of the staffs in the sample, laid huge emphasis on the proficiency of Marathi language. Over 95 percent of industry respondents expected the workforce to know Marathi, while over 83 percent Hindi.

Maharashtra being a hub for industry and commerce, this initiative will provide young aspirants with the necessary resources to upgrade their skills and integrate into the workforce efficiently.